Friday, November 03, 2006

There has been great excitement in October with the purchase of our own vehicle for the Toy Library and our work amongst indigenous Indians in the remote Chaco region (photo 1). It follows a year of intense fundraising by adults and children from churches and schools all over the UK, inspired and coordinated by Ann Varley from St Peter's Church, Oundle. We definitely felt it was heaven sent as it is perfectly equipped for every aspect of our work.

The aim of the Toy Library is to provide children from poor schools and neighbourhoods with the opportunity to learn through play (photo 2). This means transporting the games and toys all over the city (photo 3) as well as bringing the children to the Play Scheme if they live too far away (photo 4). For children who spend their days washing windscreens on the street corner to feed their family, this is often their only escape and education. One such child who attended the scheme asked us, "Why are you so kind to children?" The love and personal attention they receive is new to many of them.

We would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has been involved in this immense undertaking. You cannot imagine the joy that the play scheme brings to these children. The vehicle has both facilitated our work and enabled us to extend it.

"God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Thank you so much for your prayers. Every aspect of our application has now been accepted by the Universities' Council and we are at the final hurdle - an inspection of the premises. We have been told to start promoting the degree course for next year which is a very positive sign.

Please pray that the inspection would take place quickly and give us the final seal of approval we need.

Visit to Yatnata Community

On November 18th, Sam makes her final visit to the indigenous community of Yatnata where we hope to collect traditional Enxet songs, stories and games from the community to incorporate into their preschool programme next year.

The Paraguayan Ministry of Education is now interested in our work amongst the Indians. They have invited FEISA to apply for government funds to set up a contextualized Toy Library in Yatnata. They would like to monitor our work and learn from us. There is nothing like filling in a government application to test your patience to the limit! We wait to see if our project is approved.

Please pray that the community would bring plenty of ideas to share and that the trip would be a positive experience for everyone, including the Ministry of Education who have asked to accompany us!

Publicity and Promotion

Please pray for Rup has he prepares the budget for next year and coordinates all the publicity and promotion for FEISA for 2007. We need to be attracting 25 students for the teaching diploma course and 20 for the degree course.